http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/recommended-distortion-target-for-multiphoton-tp7582387p7582406.html
We have many 633 HeNe's our solution and replacement has become routine. Our solution has been to buy tubes alone from Ebay (for @$200) and rebuild the lasers. its pretty simple, in Melles sources, you have to
take out the four centering screws front and back These are generally covered in some black glop. The tubes are cushioned inside the metal tube with some more black silicon like material but they come out easily enough.
use some plastic bolts to hold it in place and it will work as well as the original.
BTW the power out of the tubes for 633 is commonly closer to 15mW. The 543 tubes are about 3mw.
If anyone wants more specifics about the actual vendor, please contact me offline.
> On Jul 22, 2014, at 17:22, "Craig Brideau" <
[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy> Post images of on
http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
> *****43
>
> Very good points Zdenek! I should point out that my costs were just to have
> the laser itself retubed; my power supply was fine. I suspect if I had also
> had to have the supply repaired my costs would have increased substantially.
>
> Craig
>
>
>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 3:10 PM, Zdenek Svindrych <
[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy>> Post images on
http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> Hi,
>> just remember to search the divergence, pointing stability and beam profile
>> (M-square value) if you plan to put a diode laser into a confocal
>> microscope
>> (there you can only use the 'TEM00 part' of the beam). If these parameters
>> are not listed you'll probably be able to couple just few percent of the
>> power into the fiber... Also, proper mounting and integration into an
>> existing microscope might be painful.
>> I would go for some compatible cheap old tube you can sometimes find on
>> ebay. Btw, I haven't seen one failing unexpectedly. I'm sure you've checked
>> the HV supply, control lines and interlocks... but I just wanna make sure.
>> Regards, Zdenek Svindrych @ cuni.cz
>>
>>
>> ---------- Původní zpráva ----------
>> Od: Craig Brideau <
[hidden email]>
>> Komu:
[hidden email]
>> Datum: 22. 7. 2014 22:27:26
>> Předmět: Re: 633 nm laser replacement
>>
>> "*****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy>> Post images on
http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting.
>> *****
>>
>> I have had to get a Spectra Physics argon re-tubed for one of our
>> confocals. It worked well and the re-tubing charge was about half the cost
>> of a new argon laser. ($5k retubing fee vs. $9.5k for a new argon).
>> I suspect HeNe lasers will be a similar cost, although you can get red
>> diode lasers at 635nm for fairly cheap at this point. Some even come in a
>> tube package that is basically a drop-in replacement for the HeNe. I'd
>> suggest price checking the cost of a decent 635 diode laser vs retubing
>> your HeNe, especially since 5mW is relatively low power and diodes are
>> cheap at these ranges.
>> Here's an example of a 4mW one in the tube format, although I always
>> suggest you shop around, but at least it gives you a ballpark value for
>> price to compare against repair of the HeNe.
>>
>>
http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1219>>
>> Craig Brideau
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 22, 2014 at 11:13 AM, Arvydas Matiukas <
[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> *****
>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>>
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy>>> Post images on
http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your
>> posting.
>>> *****
>>>
>>> Dear listers,
>>>
>>> 633nm 5mW HeNe laser LGK 7628-1 went dead on our
>>> LSM 510. The laser has been working for 10years and
>>> most likely >5000 hrs and suddenly stopped producing
>>> a beam.
>>>
>>> The confocal is off service contract so I am looking for
>>> inexpensive option to self-repair/replace/refurbish the
>>> laser. Core Directors and Managers please share any
>>> related experience. Contacting me off list is fine.
>>>
>>> I googled a used/refurbished laser of the same model
>>> for $650 (4 month warranty included). Any experience
>>> with such option is greatly appreciated. I project about
>>> 1000 hrs laser usage in 2-3 years, and paying the full price
>>> for a new laser would not be cost effective.
>>>
>>> best,
>>> Arvydas
>>>
>>> Director of Microscopy Core
>>> SUNY Upstate Medical University
>>> "
>>